Read Grahams blog here :-
https://model-boats.com/blogs/111166

Quote from blog :-
"The paddling action is produced with a combination of mechanics and software control. A few changes were made to the software to improve the ability to steer. There is still more to be done to improve this. If you watch carefully at 0:35 seconds in the video, you can see the rudder compensating for the paddle stroke to help keep Katie moving in a straight line."

"Katie the Kayaker" was the inspiration and result many hours of work and head scratching by designer/creator and modelmaker Graham Royle who is a member of the Buxton Model Boat Club.

Grahams full blog of his "RC Kayak" project can be found here -
https://model-boats.com/blogs/111166?...
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Here is Gaham`s latest account of the - "Maiden Voyage"

Before the maiden (!) voyage, a quick head 'transplant' !! I'd like to introduce 'Katie the Kayaker' 😂🤣

It was with some trepidation that Katie was carefully launched onto the Buxton lake. An ideal day last weekend with very little wind. I knew she would float, but would she move, and be controllable? Well the answer is yes - sort of 🤔

Thanks to Philcaretaker for the video clip.

She managed to paddle out, turn and paddle back, which was a great start. At least she didn't need rescuing. Shame she wouldn't keep hold of the paddle!

The paddle blades are not feathered at the right angle. The starboard blade is at the wrong angle and is hitting the water causing the kayak to rock excessively from side to side.

Once back on dry land, the kayak was checked inside for water. There was just a drop but nothing to worry about, which was also a relief.

So, overall it was reasonably successful, but several teething problems to be resolved before the next outing.👍

South Devon Crabber :- Cygnus GM 32' 1/12 Scale. Donor hull 32" fitted out/scratch built. Replica of actual vessel that floundered off Weymouth in 1983. Model build started in 1981 and completed in 2018 !!!

January 2023 - Weather being kind for now and the end of the month saw a great selection of models out on the lake _ but not without incedents !.
NOTE :- Look out for the collision !! (around 0.30 seconds into the video). - thankfully no major damage. And the rescue right at the end !.

Although the Moonbeam was a classic looking yacht, it was certainly over canvas. Therefore I decided to re-rig it with a Nottingham J class second set of sails. It seems well balanced and still looks like a classic yacht. The video is from its first sail.

Saw this boat on a random facebook page and thought it was brilliant. Found a YT vid of her in Paris. she really gets around - https://www.steamboat.org.uk/user.php?id=62761
A challenge for R/C steam nuts😁

JB

Further information can be seen on my build blog. This is the first of three monitors to be completed. Now on to the other two.😀

Got some Stanchions for my scratch build Andrea Gail so did a litte video on one of the Stanchions.

A mild start to 2023 enticed a small number of Buxton Model Boat Club yachting enthusiasts down to the local boating lake.

Dry fitting the amphibious truck on the barge for a bit of fun. - A bit optimistic,- 5mm each side😁, might be a smidge top heavy?

JB

My children are young sailors in the making 😁

Graham Royle is a member of the Buxton Model Boat Club, he is also the creator and proud owner of "Bill & Ben" who have provided much entertainment to young and old a like, as they "Skull" around our local lake here in Derbyshire.
Graham informs me that Bill & Ben also have a new mate is coming to visit them early next year ???? - so watch this space !!.